Flexible support with joint-spanning double hinge
US7691074B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 31, 2007 |
| Grant date | Apr 6, 2010 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 31, 2027 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61F5/0193
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A potentiating support for an area of a body includes: a framework having a surface for abutment with an area of a body including a hinge joint, the framework defining a plurality of permanent openings in the surface; and two strut members each attached to the framework such that each the strut member spans the hinge joint when the framework is disposed in abutment with the area of the body, the strut members providing a measure of rigidity to the framework in the direction of their respective lengths, each respective the strut member including an intermediate portion thereof spanning the hinge joint that is expandable and recoverable between a first initial state and extended states wherein, when expanded to a the extended state during flexing of the hinge joint, the respective strut member stores potential energy that is released as kinetic energy upon its return to the initial state.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.